Reykjavik Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Reykjavik
Harpa showing modern architecture and general coastal views
Reykjavik which includes a city, general coastal views and mountains
Harpa which includes modern architecture and interior views
Reykjavik which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a house

The most northerly capital city in the world combines amazing natural wonders with the exciting buzz of a thriving, creative metropolis.

Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, is small, but has many great things to do. The city features a world-renowned music scene, eclectic architecture, Viking history, geothermal swimming pools and some of the friendliest and safest streets in Europe. Reykjavík also makes the perfect base for experiencing Iceland’s incredible natural beauty, which you can enjoy through leisurely daytrips or action-packed multi-day adventures. 

Reykjavík’s weather is highly changeable, so pack accordingly. When the sun shines, take a boat tour at Reykjavík Harbour to see puffins and whales. Then join the throngs of locals and enjoy the city’s downtown parks, Tjörnin Lake and markets. Climb the bell tower of Iceland’s largest church, Hallgrimskirkja, for panoramic views across Old Town’s colored rooftops to the spectacular mountains and glaciers beyond.

If you’re visiting between October and March, don’t miss Mother Nature’s greatest lightshow, the aurora borealis (northern lights). On dark, clear nights, wrap up and head to Grótta lighthouse, Miklatún or Hljómskálagarður parks, or Öskjuhlíð Hill for the city’s best vantage points. 

When the icy winds pick up, seek shelter in Reykjavík’s many museums. Visit the 871±2 Settlement Exhibition at Reykjavík City Museum to see the oldest archeological ruins in Iceland, then follow the country’s journey to nationhood at The National Museum of Iceland. Stop by the Saga Museum, unusually located in one of six water tanks at Perlan. Here, waxwork figures recall key moments in Iceland’s past.

For a small city, Reykjavík has made its presence known on the world’s cultural and creative stages. Explore the city’s galleries, bookshops and quirky boutiques before heading off to discover the next Sigur Rós or Björk in the city’s acclaimed bars and live music venues. 

After exploring Reykjavík’s streets, dance floors and countryside, join locals in one of the city’s seven natural geothermal springs, such as Arbaejarlaug and Laugardalslaug. 

It’s best to plan your visit based on the seasons and your preferred activities. By mid-June, Reykjavík experiences 21 hours of sunlight per day, giving you plenty of daylight to discover all the delights this stunning metropolis has to offer.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

Reykjavik featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

Downtown Reykjavik

5/5(281 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Reykjavik, Hallgrimskirkja and Reykjavik Free Church are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Reykjavik
Default Image

Háaleiti

4/5(73 area reviews)

When in Háaleiti, you can plan a visit to Kringlan Shopping Mall and Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Háaleiti
Reykjavik featuring fashion and shopping

Laugardalur

4/5(29 area reviews)

Laugardalur is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool or Laugavegur.

Laugardalur
Reykjavik Harbour which includes a sunset, a bay or harbour and boating

Vesturbær

4.5/5(100 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Vesturbær. A stop by Reykjavik Harbour or Landakotskirkja might round out your trip.

Vesturbær
Default Image

Hlíðar

4.5/5(164 area reviews)

Though Hlíðar may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Reykjavik Harbour and Perlan.

Hlíðar
Default Image

Holt

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Holt and surrounding area, you can visit Reykjavik Harbour and Laugavegur.

Holt
Fosshotel Reykjavik
Fosshotel Reykjavik
4 out of 5
Þórunnartún 1 - Höfðatorg, Reykjavik
The price is ₹23,862 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
₹23,862
₹27,052 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Rare to find a nice gym in a hotel property"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Fosshotel Reykjavik
CityHub Reykjavik
CityHub Reykjavik
3 out of 5
46 Hverfisgata, Reykjavik, Reykjavíkurborg
The price is ₹8,291 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
₹8,291
₹9,906 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and Hallgrimskirkja ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (156 reviews)
"Has everything you need for a great price"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

CityHub Reykjavik
Alda Hotel Reykjavik
Alda Hotel Reykjavik
4 out of 5
Laugavegur 66-68, Reykjavik
The price is ₹31,625 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
₹31,625
₹35,669 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Outrageously expensive"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Alda Hotel Reykjavik
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Reykjavik Residence Hotel
4 out of 5
Vatnsstígur 2, Reykjavik, Capital Region
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,944 reviews)
"Room was ready early. Walking distance to all amenities. Communication was great!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Stay Apartments Bolholt
Stay Apartments Bolholt
3 out of 5
Bolholt 6, Reykjavik
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,122 reviews)
"Ample parking . Property is okay ."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Stay Apartments Bolholt
Black Pearl Luxury Apartments
Black Pearl Luxury Apartments
4.5 out of 5
Tryggvagata 18A, 102, Reykjavik
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (612 reviews)
"Apartment is very nice and comfortable. Staffs are very friendly and helpful. Salute to Ms. Rita."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Black Pearl Luxury Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Reykjavik